This Indonesian recipe uses the power of Turmeric and Ginger to heal you from the symptoms of a cold and the pain of inflammation.
Of course, this healing tonic shouldn’t replace a doctor, but if you want a drink to power you through the day, all you need to do is raid your cupboard!
Traditional Indonesian Turmeric – Jamu!
No matter where you go in Indonesia, you will find the word “Jamu” described on many restaurant menus. Jamu is a bright yellow drink, served cold and with the intense flavor combination of turmeric, lime and ginger.
It is a strong drink and admittedly it is also an acquired taste. No matter what you think of the flavors, you will find the tonic to be wonderfully refreshing and perfect for a hot country. But I’m not here to talk about it’s refreshing nature, or its delicious flavor.
I want to talk about the wonderful sense of well-being and calm you gain from drinking this exotic drink.
The History of Jamu – The Healing Tonic
Jamu is a traditional medicine from the culture of Indonesian people. The original ingredients might sound strange to a western reader but our modern day understanding of food and health has proven that some of the ingredients are, indeed, a great help to recovery.
The original ingredients included bark, leaves, and flowers, and the drink itself is thousands and thousands of years old. Jamu was created to cure a wide range of ailments, and the ingredients would change to better suit your illness.
Nowadays, the Inonesian people keep to the simple ingredients of lime, ginger, and turmeric, which have a stronger and more reliable cleanser effect.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is a known anti-inflammatory ingredient. It isn’t necessarily as strong as ibuprofen, but it is a natural and powerful second. This means this healing tonic can help you recover from period pains, headaches and swollen cuts.
Apart from having these anti-inflammatory properties, Turmeric is also a natural liver detoxifier and kidney cleanser, making the Jamu tonic perfect for a hangover.
Some of Turmeric’s lesser health benefits include antioxidants, digestive cleansing, and lowering cholesterol.
Overall, this ingredient is a powerful healthy addition to your foods and drinks.
Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger has very similar properties to Turmeric, which is unsurprising, seeing as they come from the same family.
The most prominent health benefits you’ll find in Ginger are the anti-inflammatory levels and antioxidant levels. Again this means they are great for lowering your pain, but Ginger uses these health benefits slightly differently.
If you suffer from morning sickness or nausea, the Ginger in this healing tonic will reduce the head-spinning feeling that brings you to the bathroom.
Most importantly, Ginger is fantastic at relieving you from flu-like symptoms. Just a whiff of the tonic should clear your airwaves and soften your headaches.
But that’s enough about the health benefits. Let’s get to why you are really here. How do you make this Healing Tonic!
Healing Tonic Recipe
You can change the ratio of the ingredients to better suit your taste but follow this guide first to get the authentic Juma flavor and the important health benefits.
| Serving Size | 6 Drinks |
| Total Time | 25 Minutes |
Ingredients:
- Fresh Turmeric Root – 4.5 oz or 125 g – Peeled and Roughly Chopped
- Fresh Ginger Root – 0.7 oz or 20 g – Peeled and Sliced
- Fresh Lime Juice – 2 Tbsp
- Honey – 1 Tbsp
Method:
- Once you have peeled and chopped the Tumeric, put it into a blender.
- Once you have peeled and sliced the Ginger, put it into a blender.
- Add 4 cups of water to the blender.
- Blend until smooth
- Pour this smooth mixture into a saucepan.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and add the Lime Juice and Honey.
- Stir until combined.
- Strain through a fine sieve. If you use a muslin cloth, the Turmeric will stain the fabric.
- Pour into a jar and refrigerate.
- When it has chilled, you can serve it.
You can serve this drink hot too, but traditionally it is served cold.
What is a Tonic?
The idea of a tonic might create dubious thoughts in your head, but this receipt isn’t designed to replace medicine.
This traditional healing tonic is a daily drink or a bad-day-boost to help you through the moments in life when the flu strikes or your monthly pain starts.
You shouldn’t replace medicine with tonic. A tonic is only meant to make you feel better. It will not cure you of your problems.
What Is The Most Powerful Immune Booster?
The biggest immune booster is Vitamin C. This Jamu drink doesn’t contain any Vitamin C, but you can easily add it by including a slice of fresh orange to dunk into the cold glass.
Alternatively, you can add bell peppers, spinach, kale, and broccoli into your meals when you start feeling sick. Food often holds all the ingredients you need to be generally healthy. Make these ingredients a part of your weekly or daily meals, so you can keep your health strong.
When is the Best Time To Drink Jamu?
The best time to drink this healing tonic is first thing in the morning and 30 minutes before your meal.
This so the Jamu will have time to boost your system before other foods or daily stresses can take hold in your body.
If you want to have the drink after your meal, I suggest you give a good gap after your last bite, just so your body gives its full attention to the Jamu.
